The Aloha library committee will meet tonight to formalize a board of directors and approve the group's articles of incorporation. Once those formalities are squared away, says committee chair Victor Armendariz, the seven-member board plans to register with the state as a business.

The Washington County Cooperative Library Services' map shows that the organization's 17 locations stretch from Sherwood to Banks, but form a perfect horseshoe around Aloha. Hillsboro moved its main library farther away from Aloha four years ago when it closed the Tanasbourne library and built the Brookwood Library. Armendariz has met with the cooperative and also with members of the Cedar Mill Library. Both suggested the Aloha group start a nonprofit.

Since Armendariz began working in February to develop a library, many community members and groups have wanted to donate money, he said. But because the group wasn't an official business or non-profit yet, they couldn't take money. Registering with the state will allow the group to open a bank account and move forward in applying for nonprofit status.

The group is still looking for a nonprofit attorney and a nonprofit certified public accountant to help the board file for nonprofit status. Residents should see some more concrete plans -- including a new sleeker Website, a location and funding ideas -- this summer, Armendariz said.

The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Peppermill Restaurant. If you want to join the committee, they meet every other week at the restaurant. For more information, contact Armendariz at vajamaaa@gmail.com.